Is Dabo Swinney on the hot seat? Exploring why Clemson HC might face problems entering Week 2
Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers entered the 2024 season with high expectations. While they have been among the most successful programs in the College Football Playoff era, they have missed the postseason in each of the past three years. With the postseason expanding from four to 12 teams, many projected that the Tigers – who were ranked No. 14 in the nation entering the year – would return this season.
While they very well could make a postseason run, Clemson's season did not get off to a strong start. They opened up play against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs in a nationally televised Week 1 matchup. The Tigers proceeded to get embarrassed, suffering a 34-3 blowout loss to their rivals.
Here's a closer look at whether or not Dabo Swinney is on the hot seat entering Week 2.
Is Dabo Swinney on the hot seat?
Clemson is coming off of their worst season since 2010. While they finished 9-4, it marked the first time they failed to reach double-digit wins since that year, which was Dabo Swinney's second season leading the program. After suffering a blowout loss to the Bulldogs, the Tigers slipped to No. 25 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
While they should bounce back against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in Week 2, they follow that up with a matchup against the No. 24 NC State Wolfpack. The Tigers will likely need to win the ACC Championship to get back to the College Football Playoff as the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals are the only team remaining on their schedule that is currently ranked.
Failing to win a conference title could exclude them from the postseason for the fourth straight season. Despite this, Swinney's job does not appear to be in jeopardy. Clemson has consistently been among the best teams in the nation during his tenure, which is now in its 16th season.
Only the Alabama Crimson Tide has had more success during the 10 years of the four-team format of the College Football Playoff. The Tigers reached the postseason in six of those years, appearing in the National Championship Game four times and winning it all twice.
Before Swinney's arrival, Clemson had just one national title in program history, back in 1981. While talks about his job security may increase, his status as a two-time champion likely buys him more leeway than most coaches.